1. A genus of plants in the mint family, including catnip and catmint, native to Europe and Asia.
Usage: botanical term; often used in plural or as a mass noun when referring to the plants collectively

Examples

• Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, is famous for its effects on cats.
• The gardener planted nepeta along the border to attract pollinators.
• Nepeta species are hardy perennials that thrive in well-drained soil.
• Many varieties of nepeta produce delicate purple or white flowers.
• The dried leaves of nepeta have been used in herbal teas for centuries.